As my retiring Chairman and his successor Geraint Evans have commented in their recent articles in the Business in Focus News – now is indeed the time for businesses – new and old - to take advantage of all the assistance that is out there to help them grow.

While your competitors sit and contemplate their futures you need to be looking ahead at ways of strengthening your market position. To help you do this you should be sitting down with one of Business in Focus’ Business Advisers and looking strategically at where your business is currently, what opportunities exist to grow your business and what you need to do to maximise those opportunities.

Perhaps there is a need for finance, product development, a marketing review, new premises, training or a combination of these elements, to help you move forward. Whatever the need, now is not the time to be standing still waiting for the ‘economy to pick up’, now is the time to steal a march on the competition. To ensure that you and your business are in pole position for the time when the upturn will come; and despite the gloom mongers in the media the market will pick up – the only question is when.

Indeed, as we often read, during a recession a number of businesses are faced with opportunities for growth. Perhaps you are one of these. If so then take advantage of the support that is out there for you. Either way call 0870 950 9090 and ask for an appointment with one of our Business Advisers. What have you got to lose – a small amount of time. But think about what you may have to gain.